History Of Well Head Mansion

Halifax, West Yorkshire
Well Head is situated just off Skircoat Road, a few hundred metres from the town centre of Halifax. A clue to the importance of Well Head to Halifax is the place name. This is where Halifax got its fresh water supply from throughout the eighteenth century. In a letter sent to the Halifax Antiquarian Society, Mr Arthur Porritt stated that in some of town's inns, drinkers would ask for "Whisky and Well Head ".
The Well Head Mansion, built in 1761, was demolished in 1975 after flood, dry rot and water damage destroyed the building beyond repair.
House at Well Head built for Grace Elizabeth and John Waterhouse after their wedding - possibly by John Carr.
Old Well Head was earlier.
The house had a Snetzler chamber organ which Catherine Grace Waterhouse gave to All Saints' Church, Elland in 1915.
In the 19th century, John Waterhouse had an observatory in the grounds. There were extensive gardens with greenhouses and a staff of 6 gardeners. They cultivated exotic ferns, including a todea superba which Waterhouse had imported from New Zealand in 1860 and which is now at Kew Gardens.
John Waterhouse died here.
Catherine Grace Doherty Waterhouse was the last of the family to occupy the house.
Subsequent owners and tenants have included
Frank Thompson [1905]
Frank Lee [1916, 1956]
Kate Lee [1968]
During the 1970s, there were many plans, including one to build a road through the estate.
While Halifax Council dithered (sounds familiar!), the house fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1976.
During the 1990s, the green parkland of the estate was given over for development and is now heavily built-up

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How could they demolish such beautiful old houses?